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May might be the perfect time to visit Europe. It’s considered shoulder season – that ideal time period between the offseason and peak tourism. Late spring brings particularly pleasant weather to southern Europe and the warmest places like the Balearic Islands begin to buzz with pre-summer energy.
There are so many good reasons to visit during late May when the heat and tourists of the summer months haven’t yet taken over. The pleasant weather is perfect for exploring major cities and outdoor activities. Many places are in full bloom, with colorful flowers adding to the natural beauty of the landscape.
But, what are the best places to visit in May in Europe? These six beautiful European countries are definitely worth considering, from the vibrant music festivals of southern Spain to the hidden gems of eastern Europe!
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Antibes, France
Antibes, France is a family-friendly seaside town sitting on the French Riviera with beaches, historic sites, art, and marine sea life. During May, the landscape is transformed into a floral paradise for Floralies d’Antibes, a celebration of the horticultural history in the area and the blooming flowers of Spring. Antibes is also small enough to travel on foot, though some buses and shuttles take riders around town and to neighboring cities. Families can easily experience Antibes over a week (or weekend), or as part of a French Riviera road trip! There are tons of incredible things to do with kids in the French Riviera.
Things to Do in Antibes
A visit to Antibes wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Picasso Museum, a collection of paintings and ceramic works from Picasso’s time in Antibes. Maybe the masterpieces will inspire your family to take an art lesson too! Other fun activities include the zipline and ropes course at Canyon Forest, the rides and carnival games at Antibes Land Park or an E-bike tour of the area is always a hit with my boys!
Cap d’Antibes has two beaches perfect for kids because of their shallow waters, Salis and Ponteil. We also stopped by Plage de la Batterie Beach, a pebble beach perfect for skipping rocks.
After a day on the shores, experience French culture at the nearby Marche Provencal market. Visitors will find locally sourced goods, an array of spices, and vibrant fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Just be sure to bring cash – cards aren’t accepted at every stall and those that do might charge a high fee!
About 45 minutes from Antibes in Monte Carlo, the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix takes place one weekend in May. My boys have been going to the races with their grandpa and loved hearing the roaring engines as cars zipped around the track.
Where to Stay in Antibes
The Hotel La Villa Cap d’Antibes is surrounded by lush greenery and seaside views. Some rooms have private balconies or terraces and there’s a heated outdoor pool.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a melting pot of culture and spontaneity in southern Spain. It invites visitors to stroll beautiful beaches and hidden markets, steps from gorgeous Gothic-style buildings. The city’s green spaces offer perfect retreats during warm afternoons and there are so many landmarks to see!
Warm days and mild evenings make May the perfect time to explore the Spanish countryside. For families craving hot, sunny weather, Seville is also beautiful, especially during the late spring music festivals that fill the streets with energy. This 14-day itinerary for Spain and Portugal also has some can’t-miss activities for exploring!
Things to Do in Barcelona
Barcelona has many buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi, known for his architectural style filled with vibrant colors, mosaics, stained glass, organic shapes found in nature, and religious imagery. Be sure to appreciate Torre Bellesguard, Casa Calvet, Colonia Guell, and Casa Vicens. Find souvenirs at local markets and enjoy fresh seafood.
Several celebrations happen in Barcelona during May including the Primavera Sound music festival, Gaudi’s birthday, and Day of Sant Jordi. These offer a great time to locals and people visiting the city.
Colorful mosaics in Park Guell reflect Gaudi’s unique architectural style.
Photo by Federico Beccari on Unsplash
Photo by D Jonez on Unsplash
Appreciate Spring blooms at Park Guell, Barcelona Botanical Garden, Jardins de Joan Maragall, or Ciutadella Park. Or, visit one of Barcelona’s golden-sand beaches, including Barceloneta, Sant Sebastia, or Nova Icaria. Our family loved the many seafood restaurants within walking distance of Nova Icaria!
Where to Stay in Barcelona
The big perk that attracted our family to Novotel Barcelona City was that kids under 15 stay free with an adult. There’s also a kid’s lounge, rooftop pool and bar, and an onsite Mediterranean restaurant.
Galway, Ireland
For families that love vacations packed with activities, Galway offers nature, history, culture, and sea life. When packing for a May vacation, expect varied weather and a few rainy days.
The Cliffs of Moher are especially beautiful at sunset.
Photo by Federico Beccari on Unsplash
Things to Do in Galway
There are many things to do on a day trip to Galway, Ireland. Galway is known for its Irish culture and one of the best ways to experience this is by visiting the colorful cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter. Listen to live music from street performers and stop in the galleries and boutiques.
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For foodies like me, May is the best time to visit because of the Galway Food Festival. Enjoy local street food and cooking demonstrations that will tantalize your taste buds.
See the Spanish Arch and stop by the Galway City Museum to learn more about the city’s culture. The Galway Cathedral perfectly captures Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.
To see the more natural side of Ireland, stroll the Salthill Promenade for views of Galway Bay or stop by the Salthill Beaches on sunny days. Visit Ireland’s National Aquarium at Galway Atlantaquaria, explore Connemara National Park, or take a day trip tour to the towering Cliffs of Moher.
Where to Stay in Galway
Kids will love staying at Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate, a converted 18th-century manor that feels like sleeping in a castle! Enjoy garden or river views, onsite dining, a golf course, a fishing pond, and 24-hour room service.
Bled, Slovenia
Picturesque Bled offers easy hiking trails and fairy-tale castles. And, the mild average temperature and sunny weather make this time of year a good time for visiting Bled in Central Europe.
Things to Do in Bled
Take a paddle boat or ferry across Lake Bled to the church on the island in the center. Climb the bell tower or ring it and make a wish! Be sure to stop by Bled Castle for interactive exhibits, a spacious courtyard, and a medieval flair that even toddlers will love exploring.
Take a ferry, paddleboat, or kayak to explore the church in the middle of Lake Bled.
Photo by Caz Hayek on Unsplash
A visit to Bled wouldn’t be complete without trying Cream Cake, a local delicacy. Park Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy Cream Cake with beautiful views of the nearby mountains and lake.
Craving more adventure? One of the best things to do for a thrill is ride the Rodelbahn down the hills (think of it as a summertime sled)! Take a family bike ride to Vintgar Gorge to view the wooden bridges and waterfalls, or ride the Vogel Cable Car to the top of the mountains at Lake Bohinj before exploring the trails.
Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle are also worth a visit. If your family doesn’t do the fun tour, we recommend paying for the audio guide when exploring the castle – there’s a unique history and a “Robinhood” story of sorts!
Where to Stay in Bled
Stay at Alp Pension, just a 10-minute walk from Lake Bled. Stay in suites or apartment-like lodgings and fuel up with free breakfast before exploring the area!
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a popular destination in Europe and visiting in May means fewer crowds than usual. Kids will love the colorful seaside villages, hidden coves, and beaches perfect for skipping stones.
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Winding paths and stairways connect the different areas of Cinque Terre, known for these colorful houses!
Photo by Mike L on Unsplash
Things to Do in Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a collection of five villages, including Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. The villages are surrounded by hiking trails with steps and winding paths offering scents of lemons, rosemary, and lavender, with views of the surrounding vineyards, olive groves, and colorful clusters of houses. At the end of these hiking experiences, the city breaks through.
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Hiking intensity varies, so families should plan based on skill level. Some easier hikes include the Riomaggiore Ring Trail and the romantic Via dell’Amore trail, both offering incredible coastal views of the Ligurian Sea. However, the best way to get around varies depending on your family. Ferrying, kayaking, or riding a train between the villages is also an option!
The best sandy beach is located in Monterosso. In Riomaggiore, families will have the best time snorkeling or scuba diving in the only marine-protected area in Cinque Terre. Be sure to enjoy the local cuisine, which includes smooth, creamy gelato, fresh seafood, pesto, olives, fresh tomatoes and sauce, and wine for mom and dad. A wonderful food tour is a great way to learn about local favorites.
Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
Tucked in a hillside, Hotel Ristorante Porto Roca is a great place to stay close to Montesorro’s beach and train station for easy exploring. Families will appreciate the infinity pool and hot tub, sun deck, coastal views, and breakfast buffet.
Fjord, Norway
The last of our best places to visit in Europe during early spring is a little colder. Fjord, Norway is a prime location for experiencing the Norwegian Fjords, Norway’s waterways, and inlets formed through the ice ages, now surrounded by a collection of villages.
The temperatures are cooler during May in Northern Europe, but the Norwegian Fjords are a unique vacation experience. Tours of the area start in May and the longer daylight hours make it perfect for enjoying the scenery. Weather varies, though, so prepare for anything while packing!
Things to Do in Norwegian Fjords
During May in Norway, snow begins melting in the mountains, causing waterfalls and rivers to cascade. Be sure to visit the Geirangerfjord, offering tall cliffs, blue waters, and scenery so impressive it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch for seals, porpoises, and seabirds along the coast. The Fjords are also part of the itinerary on one of these European Sky Princess Cruises – a great way to see more of the European countryside on vacation!
Try to spot houses in the mountain ranges of the Norwegian Fjords.
Photo by Shreshth Gupta on Unsplash
Visit Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf for waterfront dining, local shops, art galleries, and a taste of the area’s history. Ride the Funicular up Mount Floyen for panoramic views of the mountains and cities before exploring hiking trails at the top. The Loen Skylift is one of the best destinations for paragliding and hiking opportunities.
May is also one of the best months to visit Flor og Fjaere, a botanical garden located on one of Norway’s islands with a unique microclimate. Take a scenic boat tour to the island and enjoy a three-course meal after exploring.
Where to Stay in Norwegian Fjords
Juvet Landscape Hotel sits in a nature preserve just 7 minutes from the Gudbrandsjuvet waterfalls. Enjoy glass walls and incredible views of the nearby river and mountains. There’s also an onsite sauna, hot tub, and fireplace, free breakfast, and dinners made from locally sourced ingredients.
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